Last night I put my father to bed. This wonderful, once strong man was clutching
my arm for support as I helped him in. Lifting
his legs up over the side of the bed so he could lie down to rest for the night,
my main focus was to make him as comfortable as possible. When I pulled up the covers and bent down to
kiss him good night, he put his arms up around me and held me as tightly as he
could. The lump in my throat swelled, and
as I blinked back tears, I told him I loved him. In response, his grip around me tightened and
he whispered words of love.
I couldn’t help but notice how the roles had reversed. My dad… my vibrant, funny, trustworthy dad,
was always the one to put me to bed when I was a child. He would tuck me in, read me a story (quite
often a favorite from his own childhood) and kiss me good night. It was always the perfect ending to my day. Now
things are different and it breaks my heart.
I know this is the way of life, but that doesn’t make it any
easier. I love my dad. Seeing him so frail and in pain is incredibly
difficult. I am praying constantly for
this man, who was the one to teach me to pray.
But, sometimes the sorrow that fills me is too much to bear. The sight of his suffering weakens me. However, I have learned to rely on my
heavenly Father for strength. “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according
to your word” (Psalm 119:28). Our
God is always faithful! His presence is
tangible as I care for my dad, and it encourages and strengthens me. I am so thankful.
“So do not fear, for
I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you
and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah
41:10).
Are any of you going through a difficult time? Is a loved one of yours travelling a painful road? Do not fear!
Instead, to look to the Lord! He
will strengthen you and give you the ability to make it through the
Valley. He is with us in our time of
need, filled with compassion and empathy as He guides us along the way.
Clinging to Him,
Oh Joan - I don't have the words to say. I know this has to be a very difficult time for you. I am thankful we can rely on His strength to help us through whatever circumstance we are facing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan
Blessings and love my friend as you stand beside your father during this time. I know how difficult and painful it is (having gone through it with both of my loving parents). Your amazing faith and love will carry you and strengthen you.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in my loving prayers,
Denise
Thank you for your encouragement, Denise! I'm so thankful for my faith as I journey this road with my dad.
ReplyDeleteYes, God will give us the strength we need. He will see us through!
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to see your parents age and become frail. I just returned from visiting family in FL. Although my dad is doing well, I can see the changes too. My mother-in-law lives close by Greg and me and she is also going through these visible changes. Much prayer is needed.
ReplyDeleteblessings and love,
Debbie
Thanks for sharing what a blessing your father has been to your life. While it is a difficult season for you, it's wonderful that you can serve him in this way.
ReplyDeleteBoy, this brought tears to my yes as I could relate it to both of my parents. I don't know how people get through it without the help of the Heavenly Father. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,Charlotte
It is difficult, but God is helping as we go through this. My prayer is to be the best daughter I can be...
ReplyDeleteI think that is the only way to get through this time...with our heavenly Father! He will guide and strengthen and comfort all along the way. It is a very emotional time, but I know God is with us.
ReplyDeleteHeart touching post. I remember taking care of my mother the last year of her life. I had become the parent, would not trade those memories for anything.
ReplyDeleteI traveled this road with my mother-in-law. It's hard--really hard. Yet at the same time it's a privilege to care for those we love. I'm praying for God to bless you with added strength day by day.
ReplyDeleteHi my friend, I want you to know that as a sister in Christ, I am standing with you in your pain. I was deeply affected by the care needed for my nana, while I was growing up and it is incredibly hard to see anyone we love suffer. You are in my prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. We are so blessed to have Jesus by our side, who knows and understands our pain.
ReplyDelete